Police dogs put through their paces in the park

PALMA
A large crowd, mainly of schoolchildren, watched the exhibition by the National Police dog handlers in the Parc de la Mar yesterday morning.
According to Police sources, the first canine unit in Spain was set up in 1945 and the dogs now play “a very important role” in the fight against drug trafficking or in sniffing out explosives.

The dogs also provide invaluable help in humanitarian missions.
The dogs are selected for training at the age of about one, and work until they are about 12 or 13, a police spokesman explained during the exhibition. Various breeds are chosen.

The demonstration included “attacks” on officers wearing padded clothing, the dogs refusing to let go until ordered to do so.
Other dogs also showed how they detected drugs hidden in bags or explosives hidden under cars.
The children were also delighted to learn that the dogs can be playful, too -- one was sent to fetch a ball thrown into the audience.
The event was part of the Police Day celebrations, because of which the Borne and Avenida Antoni Maura will be closed to traffic today from 3 to 6.30pm and tomorrow from 9.30 to 2pm.